Those Worse Off Than You

"Oh- common, Ace get over this feeling. You're better than that!"

"You know what- maybe you're right. But presently, I have a different outlook on myself."

"Ace- that's because that's what you've grown up telling yourself. It'll get better. You're already doing better."

"Wow," I imagined him smirking. "You're almost better than my shrink!"

I giggled. Butthen there was a click, and the light switch was turned on. One of the care workers was standing in the doorway. "Oh- you're still here?"

I nodded.

"Well, you should leave soon. How's everything going in here?"

With wit, Ace stated, "Can't you see we're talking here? Can you please leave?"

She nodded and clossed the door, leaving the light on.

Ace looked as I would imagine him to look if he were high. His eyes were lazily half shut and he was sprawled across his bed on his back, with one arm under his head. Truth is, I never noticed when Ace was high- except that one time...

It was quiet. We were quiet. Probably because we both knew I would have to leave soon...